Player News - Knicks

Rose is sitting out against the Kings on Friday for the second straight game, meaning Brandon Jennings will likely head back to the bench on Sunday. Rose is traveling with the team and is day-to-day, so this isn't a surprise. He's averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds on 45.0 percent shooting this season.

This will be the second game Rose has missed due to the back injury he suffered Monday. The good news is that Rose is traveling with the Knicks on their current road trip, which would seemingly indicate he is close to returning to action. Brandon Jennings will get the start at point guard. He makes for a solid DFS play Friday in Sacramento. Jennings had 16 points, four rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes in a starting role on Wednesday. He'll likely play more minutes on Friday, assuming the game isn't a blowout, as NY has very little depth behind Jennings at point guard.

Derrick Rose (sore lower back) is being listed as questionable for Friday's game vs. the Kings.

Rose tweaked his back in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game in Orlando. He sat out Wednesday's contest vs. the Cavs. Rose is traveling with the team, so it's a good sign that he is close to returning to the lineup. The team may until they see how his back responds to pre-game warmups. Check back for an update. If Rose does not play, Brandon Jennings will start and would be an intriguing DFS option on Friday.

Kyle O'Quinn came off the bench on Wednesday for 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting with seven boards and three assists in just 21 minutes.

In the past four games, including one start for injured Joakim Noah, O'Quinn is averaging 11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 2.0 assists, while hitting 22-of-31 field goals. His minutes are on the rise, which isn't a surprise given how poorly Noah (five points in 15 minutes) has played this season. There are never any guarantees with KOQ, but he's worth a speculative add if you need a big man.

Carmelo Anthony played just 24 minutes vs. Cleveland, finishing Wednesday's home loss with eight points on 4-of-9 shooting, four rebounds, two assists and one block.

Melo checked out with his team trailing by 28 points late in the third quarter, and he played just two minutes to begin the fourth before the Knicks threw in the towel. He's looked good all season, averaging 23.0 points, 8.0 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.0 threes, with a healthy 29.3 percent usage, and at least he'll be rested vs. Sacramento on Friday.

Brandon Jennings started in place of Derrick Rose (sore lower back) on Wednesday, posting 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and one 3-pointer in 31 minutes.

This was Rose's first DNP of the season and it's unclear how long he'll be sidelined, though an MRI came back clean and he's listed as day-to-day. Jennings can be found on most 12-team waiver wires, so owners in need of a cheap PG should keep him in mind for temporary value.

Kristaps Porzingis had another rough shooting night on Wednesday, going 5-of-15 from the field for 12 points with three rebounds, two blocks and two 3-pointers.

KP is now just 19-of-60 in his past four games (31.7 percent), but it's not a total loss for fantasy owners -- he's still averaging 13.0 points, 1.3 triples, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in that span. This might be the closest thing to a 'buy low' window we've seen all season, even though it's just a temporary lull.

He is listed as day-to-day and is expected to travel with the Knicks for their upcoming road trip. Rose said he's dealt with fatigue in his side and legs, so the Knicks may opt to just give him a few days off. If he is going to miss more time, Brandon Jennings would get most of the run with Ron Baker behind him.

Brandon Jennings will move into the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cavs, with Derrick Rose (back) unavailable.

Per-36 minutes this season, Jennings is averaging 11.6 points, 8.6 dimes, 4.4 boards, 1.7 steals and 1.7 triples per contest, so he's certainly on the radar as a potential DFS punt play or streamer option with a favorable matchup against the Cavs.

RotoGrinders.com Daily Slant: At or near minimum price across the DFS industry, Jennings is a viable punt play in any format. He should see upwards of 27-29 minutes with upside to clear 30+, and although he'll see more run with ball-dominant players Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, Jennings' ceiling remains very high with big playing time. Punting the PG spots with a Jennings/Marcus Smart duo makes it easier to afford guys like Harden, Cousins and Durant.

Derrick Rose (sore lower back) will be unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Cavs.

He said he had back spasms on Tuesday, but also said his side, leg and everything was fatigued. He's also going to get an MRI to make sure everything is OK. Considering Rose's injury history and lengthy time to recover, he's likely looking at more games out of the lineup. Brandon Jennings should get a boost in playing time and is worth a look for his short-term boost. Ron Baker should also be in the rotation tonight.

Derrick Rose (back spasms) is questionable to play Wednesday against the Cavs.

"It calmed down. It’s just spasms. Usually when you have back spasms or back problems, it comes from somewhere else — it could be hamstring, it could be groin, could be something else," Rose said. "[Tuesday night], my right side, my right leg, everything was fatigued and kind of quit. [Wednesday] we'll be able to find out what it is." Rose appears to be headed for a game-time call, but if he's out, Brandon Jennings will likely draw the start and he'd be an option in DFS.

Kyle O'Quinn scored 12 points with seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal against the Heat on Tuesday.

He's coming off the bench these days with Joakim Noah healthy again, but Noah picked up four fouls and only played 14 minutes which allowed KOQ to see 27 minutes of action. He made the most of his minutes and shot 6-of-8 from the field and did a respectable job against Hassan Whiteside, but he's going to be hard to trust while the Knicks are healthy.

He shot an efficient 5-of-6 from the field with a pair of assists, but he couldn't stay out of foul trouble trying to contain Hassan Whiteside. Kyle O'Quinn has been making a case for more minutes recently and had another big game with 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks off the bench, so maybe this becomes a timeshare. Regardless, Noah is more of a deep-league asset this season until he proves otherwise.

Courtney Lee (ankle) returned from a two-game absence on Tuesday vs. the Heat, scoring nine points with seven rebounds, one assist and one triple in 30 minutes.

The Knicks had no interest in easing him back into action and there's no word of any restrictions for Wednesday's game vs. the Cavs on the second night of a back-to-back set. Lee shot 4-of-8 from the field and is worth a look as a low-end option if you could use help in 3-pointers and steals. Just keep your expectations in check.

Carmelo Anthony matched his season-high with 35 points on 13-of-27 shooting in Tuesday's 114-103 win over the Heat.

The Knicks have won four straight games and now get to look forward to a matchup with the Cavaliers at MSG Wednesday. Anthony added four rebounds, two assists, one block and three 3-pointers, hitting 6-of-7 from the line. His production is down this season playing next to Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis, but he's still capable of posting monster lines like you saw tonight.